Financial terms were not released, but it should enable the 15-time All-Star
to finish his brilliant career with the Lakers. He was in the final year of
his current contract.

"This is a very happy day for Lakers fans and for the Lakers organization,"
said Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. "We've said all along that our
priority and hope was to have Kobe finish his career as a Laker, and this
should ensure that happens. To play 20 years in the NBA, and to do so
with the same team, is unprecedented, and quite an accomplishment. Most
importantly however, it assures us that one of the best players in the world
will remain a Laker, bringing us excellent play and excitement for years to
come."

Bryant still isn't ready to play as he continues his recovery from a ruptured
Achilles in his left leg. He has returned to practice, but the team is unsure
when he will suit up for a game.

The Lakers have won five NBA titles since Bryant joined the team following his
trade from Charlotte after the 1996 draft. He was selected with the 13th
overall pick in 1996 and traded to the Lakers in a deal that sent Vlade Divac
to Charlotte.

Bryant is the Lakers' all-time leading scorer and currently ranks fourth on
the NBA's all-time scoring list. He was the NBA's regular-season MVP for the
2007-08 season and was named NBA Finals MVP in the spring of 2009 and again
the following year.